Hong Kong Economic Herald:

The governor just mentioned that Guangdong province's forest coverage rate has reached 53%, and the province is advancing the Green and Beautiful Guangdong Campaign. Could you please tell us what measures will be taken next? Thank you.

Zhang Hu:

Thank you for your question and your interest in the Green and Beautiful Guangdong Campaign. The province is green throughout the year, and as you mentioned, the forest coverage rate has now exceeded 53%. In recent years, the province has resolutely implemented Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization. Committed to the overall goal of "being at the forefront," the provincial Party committee has decided to deeply promote the Green and Beautiful Guangdong Campaign. The aim is to promote high-quality development and take the campaign as a strategy for advancing ecological civilization. The campaign practices the concept that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets," focusing on high value-added and green development. We strive to make Guangdong province a demonstration and window for practicing Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization. Moving forward, we will continue to promote "six major actions."

First, we will implement a precise forest quality improvement action. We will carry out in-depth optimization of forest stands and the improvement of forest forms. This year, we aim to complete the tasks of optimizing and enhancing 2 million mu of forest stands and nurturing and improving 2 million mu of forest. We will tap into the economic benefits of precise forest quality improvement and vigorously develop related economies such as homestay tourism and forest wellness.

Second, we will implement an action for integrating and enhancing urban-rural greening and beautification. Currently, our province has established 193 demonstration sites for the Green and Beautiful Guangdong Campaign, achieving full coverage of county-level administrative areas. Next, we plan to fully develop national forest cities and national garden cities and combine the "Hundred, Thousand and Ten-Thousand Project" to focus on promoting greening and beautification efforts in counties, towns and villages.

Third, we will launch an initiative to promote ecological conservation of protected areas. We will step up efforts to develop the Nanling National Park and Danxia Mountain National Park, building 104 demonstrative protected areas; develop the South China National Botanical Garden to a high standard; and build the International Mangrove Center in Shenzhen with a 10,000 mu (666.67 hectares) demonstration zone for mangrove forest.

Fourth, we will implement an action plan to improve the quality of ecological green corridors. We will increase green coverage along expressways, national and provincial highways and railways; make coordinated efforts in the construction of forest trails, greenways, green belts as well as ancient post roads; achieve integrated development among neighboring ancient villages, historical sites and natural parks; and foster stronger connections between networks of forests, water and roads, so as to build a green and beautiful ecological network with greater connectivity.

Fifth, we will launch an initiative to strengthen protection of ancient and famous trees. Efforts will be made to carry out surveys and monitor these trees, while real-time and dynamic management will be implemented. We will rescue and preserve these ancient and famous trees to retain people's nostalgic memories about the past.

Sixth, we will carry out a provincial initiative to encourage people to care for, plant and protect green spaces. Centering on the theme of "I Plant Trees for Guangdong," we will mobilize all sectors of society to grow and protect plants. Through joint actions, we will create a beautiful homeland with abundant green plants that can be seen throughout the whole year. 

Ecological development under the Green and Beautiful Guangdong Initiative is a long-term project. We will take this goal as guidance to protect the fields, trees, rivers and mountains of Guangdong, build a pilot zone for the Beautiful China Initiative, and foster pacesetters for green and low-carbon development, so that green ecological advantages can be transformed into high-quality development advantages. Thank you.